Retail defaults in 2018 could outpace last year

High debt, underinvestment, competition, changes in consumer spending and other factors that made 2017 abysmal for some retailers haven't gone away, according to S&P. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 2, 2018

Retail Therapy: Neiman Marcus banks 'a milli' on Lil Wayne collection

The famous rapper launched a "Young Money" line with the luxury department store that’s way hotter — and cheaper — than its usual fare.

By Cara Salpini • March 2, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Digital innovation and technology trends in retail

Generative AI and TikTok Shop have replaced the metaverse and NFTs as the hot topics of the day — here’s a look at how brands are using them.

By Retail Dive staff

Best Buy to close nearly 260 stand-alone mobile stores

As the electronics retailer winds down its mobile store fleet, it posted a massive sales rise at mainline stores.

By Daphne Howland • March 1, 2018

Kohl's brings Aldi to some stores as it makes 'sharp leap' in sales

The discount department store has added brands and tightened costs, making for a solid holiday performance. The only question is: Can Kohl's keep it up?

By Ben Unglesbee • March 1, 2018

For Nike, the future of sneaker innovation is female

The company says it's thinking about women's sneakers differently, and that will influence innovation and design for everyone.

By Daphne Howland • March 1, 2018

Walmart's apparel push is just beginning

The company is focused on improving customer experience in apparel online and in stores, two company executives said at the eTail West conference Tuesday. 

By Laura Heller • Feb. 28, 2018

Many Amazon customers would welcome banking services

More than half of 1,000 U.S. Amazon customers recently surveyed said they would be willing to use an Amazon-created virtual currency for purchases, according to LendEDU.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 28, 2018

Art Van Furniture CEO to step down

Legacy furniture and mattress firms like Art Van, one of the largest Midwestern retailers, are seeing market share decline as e-commerce upstarts rise.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 26, 2018

Retail Therapy: Nike takes a well-placed kick at the sneaker market

The athletics brand released a whole line of bland, white shoes and told customers to do the rest … and they loved it.

By Cara Salpini • Feb. 23, 2018

AI poised to take over more customer service

A recent report estimates that by 2020, virtual assistants and chatbots could be performing 25% of customer service and support work. 

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 22, 2018

Amazon's Alexa being integrated into smart homes

The voice assistant is set to play a major role in new residences built by Lennar, expanding Amazon's dominance in the market.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 22, 2018

Apparel sales fall on slower athleisure growth

The category is benefiting from millennials, the strength of the athleisure category and the growth of e-commerce, but those factors weakened last year, according to a report from The NPD Group.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 22, 2018

Amazon swoops in on Macy's apparel sales

But it isn't alone; Walmart, Target and Kohl's are also grabbing share as the department store behemoth sheds stores, according to new research.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 21, 2018

Ralph Lauren tops Amazon, Target in Olympic mentions

Of the top retailers mentioned on social media so far, Ralph Lauren came in highest with a 38% share, while Walmart logged just 4%, according to Digimind.

By Cara Salpini • Feb. 21, 2018

When one won't do: More consumers are paying for Prime and Costco memberships

There is now a significant overlap in customers who see value in spending the extra money to access each retailer's unique format and products.

By Erika Kincaid • Feb. 21, 2018

VF to sell Nautica, double down on North Face

The apparel company has been working to adjust its portfolio of brands in an era of challenged sales in the category.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 20, 2018

Retail Therapy: 6 Valentine's Day gifts to break your heart

These products were so awful — and, in some cases, so awfully good — that they’re sure to put you into cardiac arrest.

By Cara Salpini • Feb. 16, 2018

How to close stores and still succeed

Considering the impact shuttering stores has on digital sales, retailers are better off transforming them into showrooms or BOPIS depots, writes Lee Peterson of WD Partners. 

By Lee Peterson • Feb. 14, 2018

Why generational marketing could send retailers back to the drawing board

While there's generally some truth in stereotypes, retailers that rely on generational marketing alone could be missing out on both the channels and customers they should be targeting.

By Cara Salpini • Feb. 14, 2018

25% of UK retailers find tech disrupts customer connection

Most retailers are turning to tech for better customer experiences, but a new survey found that some retailers have been disappointed with the payoff.  

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 14, 2018

Target and Honeyfund enhance registries with actual experiences

The retailer is bulking up baby and wedding registry options, and another partnership with Pinterest is adding visual search technology to the registry app. 

By Dan Alaimo • Feb. 12, 2018

How Shinola is taking its 'built in Detroit' mission national

A successful brick-and-mortar expansion hinges on connecting the store to its Detroit-based manufacturing mission, head of retail Travis Harrison told attendees of Future Stores Miami.

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 9, 2018

Is the American mall dead — or poised to thrive?

In a new report, A.T. Kearney imagines the future of shopping centers as more focused on experience, socials values and services, similar to other retail centers around the world. 

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 9, 2018

Retail Therapy: For the love of Big Macs

McDonald’s is celebrating Valentine’s Day by giving away a diamond-encrusted "Bling Mac" ring … worth $14,000.

By Cara Salpini • Feb. 8, 2018

Under Armour's 'Hovr' line is a hit

But when it comes to sports footwear, the brand and its rivals must pay heed to consumers’ growing preference for leisure styles, according to the NPD Group.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 7, 2018